Fantasy Fallout: Filling the Garrett Richards Void Outside of Los Angeles

Here are the fantasy implications following the announcement that Los Angeles Angels RHP Garrett Richards is about to undergo Tommy John surgery and will miss the remainder of the season:

Daily Fantasy

This is certainly unfortunate for an already thin rotation. Richards was the only Angels starter worth consistent consideration in DFS. His salary figured just below the top tier of pitchers on days he took the mound and featured modest strikeout potential while also walking his fair share. Nothing flashy, just a solid contributor.

Daily fantasy owners will have no trouble filling the void, but Angels starters behind Richards offer only GPP value as risky fliers with low upside. De facto ace Jered Weaver has been bombed outside of two starts and features little strikeout upside. LHP Hector Santiago will be the most stable of the current options, though he's had a pair of poor outings in a row.

Only consider Angels pitching if the price is exceptionally low, and stay away in cash games entirely.

Season-Long Fantasy

So far, no corresponding moves have been announced. With LHP Andrew Heaney also injured - and possibly facing surgery - and LHP C.J. Wilson getting closer to returning, there are a few possibilities in the interim. Within the organization, the Angels could call up former top prospect Tyler Skaggs, though he's recovering from his own injury issues.

Instead, LHP Nate Smith could get the call. Smith has a 3.79 ERA through six starts in the Pacific Coast League and has a HR/9 of only 0.76. This alone could make him worth a look, especially in AL-only leagues for those starved for pitching.

A more Angels move would be to throw a dump truck of money at free agent RHP Tim Lincecum after his Friday showcase. If that were to happen, he'd be worth monitoring but keep expectations low. He hasn't been consistently good since 2011.

Waiver Wire Targets

• Miami Marlins SP Adam Conley has strung together two effective starts in a row and his next appearance is expected to come against the Brewers, a team he effectively tamed in late April. He has a 9.46 K rate and doesn't allow home runs. He should be more heavily rostered and is better than a simple streaming option.

• Colorado Rockies SP Tyler Chatwood's nickname needs to be The Road Warrior. He has an insane 0.33 ERA away from Coors Field including three consecutive scoreless road starts. Unsustainable? You bet. But, he could provide some considerable value in a pinch. Don't start him in Colorado, though, unless you want to derail your week.

• Baltimore Orioles SP Kevin Gausman baffled the New York Yankees on Thursday night, allowing only three hits over eight scoreless innings without walking a batter. The reduction in walks is the real reason to take notice as his command has eluded him at times in the past. He looks finally ready to take the next step even if the K rate could be better.